Rolling downhill, charging the batteries

Posted

SUN Columnist

I’ve been bopping around town the past couple of weeks in my daughter’s car, a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid.

For a new mommy like my daughter, it’s not the best car for an infant’s car seat and two dogs; welcome to the world of Subaru station wagons my dear daughter — a vehicle that better suits your needs, for sure.

I’m learning a thing or two about driving habits these days. I watch little gauges zip up and down the dash display as I accelerate and decelerate. While coasting down a hill, I see that I’m not using any fuel, just electricity — and the battery is recharging at the same time. For as much as I pop up and down from my desk, I wish I had a battery in which I could store energy.

At any rate, I have learned some new driving habits. It’s not like I have a lead foot, but there is room for slight changes that will hopefully give me a one mpg increase in my own vehicle. I’m going to miss this little car when I have to return it. SUV ... you do not give me 42 mpg.

AARP Driver Safety

Missed the last class?

If so, it’s not too late. AARP Driver Safety is offering a nationwide DMV-accredited driver safety class designed to help drivers 50 and older recognize and compensate for naturally occurring, age-related changes that can affect driving.

The State of Colorado has approved a significant auto insurance discount for students age 55 and older who attend this class.  Check with your insurance agent for the exact discount; savings vary by insurance carrier, vehicle and coverage selected.  The class certificate is good for three years. Cost for AARP Members is $12, non-members pay $14.

This one-day course is being offered Thursday, May 23, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at The Den, 451 Hot springs Blvd. Call Lois O’Dell to register at 259-5589.

Your driver is ready

At your service. Get out in the community and let us do the driving. Get to where you need to go. Door-to-door bus service is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for seniors age 60-plus. Suggested donation is $2 per day. Call for details, 264-2167.

Home delivery 

Are you struggling to get meals prepared because you are homebound, recovering from surgery or an illness? If so, let us do the cooking.

Enjoy Cafe Fox meals delivered to your door. Our hot meal, home delivery program is available four days a week to those living closer to town, with frozen meals for Thursdays and weekends. Those living farther out of town may be eligible for the frozen meal program. Meals are available to people age 60-plus for a suggested donation of $3 per meal. Give us a call at 264-2167 for more information.

Weekly activities

Friday, April 26 — 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 10:30 a.m. book club; 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Monday, April 29 — 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Tuesday, April 30 — 12:30 p.m. gym walk; 1 p.m. Meditation for Healing.

Wednesday, May 1 — No special events.

Thursday, May 2 — Closed, administrative day.

Friday, May 3 — 10 a.m. Stitchin’ in the Kitchen; 10:30 a.m. brain injury support group; 12:30 p.m. gym walk.

Cafe Fox menu

All meals include our great salad bar.

Friday, April 26 — Birthday meal: roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, whole wheat roll, cranberry sauce, tossed salad with sunflower seeds, magic cookie bar.

Monday, April 29 — Ground beef tacos, refried beans, fiesta corn, winter fruit salad.

Tuesday, April 30 — Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, green beans, carrots, bran muffin, tropical fruit.

Wednesday, May 1 — Chicken fajita, whole wheat tortilla, cilantro rice, pinto beans, grapes.

Thursday, May 2 — Closed, administrative day.

Friday, May 3 — Tuna salad wrap, whole wheat tortilla with lettuce and tomato, tomato soup, hard-boiled egg, ambrosia fruit salad.

Reservations are required by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine at Cafe Fox. You may make your reservation up to one week in advance by calling 264-2167 or through our website at www.archuletacounty.org, at select departments and the Senior Center.

Suggested donation for older adults age 60-plus is $4, guests $6. Our meal program is partially funded through the Older Americans Act via the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, United Way, Archuleta County, Town of Pagosa Springs and other individual donations and grants. These funds help support the cost of the meal which is approximately $12.85. Please note our menu is subject to change. The salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served from noon to 12:30 p.m.